Discusses the need to make the public aware of the role of the school library media center in order to gain their support. It is suggested that the dissemination of the contents of "Information Power," a document presenting guidelines for a strong media center, can foster this awareness. (four references) (CLB)

Discusses reasons for establishing a school archive and provides guidelines for its organization and development. Topics covered include the writing and approval of a policy statement, material selection, the organization of records, and preservation of materials. Examples of a policy statement and an accessioning work sheet are provided. (5…

Describes the issues that effect availability of free-reading materials in Spanish in elementary and middle school libraries. Conclusions are drawn regarding the effectiveness of the school library in providing language-minority children with access to reading materials in their primary language and whether the needs of language-minority children…

Describes a library media center activity for elementary and secondary grades where students use reference materials to find the answers to a travel game based on a "Where's Waldo" format. Clues for a worldwide version and a U.S. version are included. (LRW)

Discusses ways to interest students in reading and describes a variety of informal book competitions suitable for elementary and secondary school library media specialists as well as public librarians to use. A more formal structure is described for "Battle of the Books," suitable for older students. (seven references) (LRW)

Explains traditional notions of efficient behavior; applies them to libraries and information centers; discusses how we measure efficiency; describes data envelopment analysis, a mathematical model designed for use with nonprofit organizations to measure efficiency through a weighting scheme; and discusses its use in school media centers.…

Discusses two philosophical views of school library media specialists, one that emphasizes print materials and one that emphasizes technology. Topics include the deterioration of print collections, the increasing amount of information available, effects on students in technology-poor schools, the consulting role according to "Information…

Describes the historical development of libraries in Ethiopia. Examines the National Library of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University Libraries, the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Library, and the Ethiopian Science and Technology Documentation and Information Center. Discusses the development of special libraries, libraries and documentation centers of…

Provides a suggested model for SCHOOLNET, a voice, video, and data network. Proposes that library media centers should be the site of the SCHOOLNET hub; students and teachers should be able to access the INFOhio library automation system and other information systems; and digital fiber optic hubs and trunk lines should connect school buildings…

Reviews research in school librarianship and the implementation of change, highlighting the characteristics of effective programs that affect student achievement and have the support of school administrators. Research on curriculum implementation and staff development provides guidelines for the institutionalization of school library programs. (92…

Discusses the collaboration of librarians from Xavier University, the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium, and local public and school libraries to form ROYAL, reviewers of young adult literature. Topics include ROYAL's history, roles of publishers in review groups, the literature review process, group organization, and advantages and…

Reports that some local and regional censorship groups are backed financially by national religious groups. Examines their impact on public and school libraries, recounts their influences on federal legislation, and reviews the status of state legislation. A sidebar discusses the American Library Association's role in aiding librarians. (JMV)

Describes how reference collections can be used by middle school students to evaluate poems as literature and sources of historical fact. Two sidebars list U.S. history reference books appropriate for middle schools and story poems that can be used for an authentification project. (JMV)

Presents guidelines for the proper care and handling of videodisc and CD-ROM hardware and software. Topics discussed include handling the equipment, moving, cleaning techniques, storage considerations, ventilation requirements, and climate control. (LRW)

Reports on the activities of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) during 1990-92 in the following areas: publications, including conference proceedings; grants received for special projects, including seminars and lectures; annual conferences; and election of officers. (LRW)